“Niger Delta Voices Unite: Call for Comprehensive Review of Pipeline Protection Contracts”
Niger Delta participants, under the auspices of the Niger Delta Congress, NDC, have advocated for an immediate, comprehensive, and autonomous forensic examination of the pipeline security contract initiated by the Federal Government.
The agreement, intended to combat oil theft, is being managed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo. In recent days, numerous groups and individuals within the Niger Delta have been insisting on a reconfiguration of the contract, criticizing the scenario where a single entity oversees the entire initiative.
In a declaration endorsed by Comrade Godfrey Onade, the Niger Delta Congress, NDC, asserted that the contract, reportedly estimated at $144 million annually, has not sufficiently mitigated oil theft or provided lasting enhancements in crude production, as anticipated.
According to the participants, Tantita’s personnel have encountered challenges accessing distant swampy regions in the Niger Delta, a situation they claim has left extensive creek networks vulnerable, permitting illegal bunkering and refining to persist without restraint.
They pointed out that the monopolistic character of the contract has rendered it less effective.
“The monopoly framework is inherently flawed and ineffective. Even its proponents have acknowledged that the company is unable to cover certain isolated and swampy areas, leading to ongoing vulnerabilities throughout our complex creek systems,” the declaration stated.
The participants highlighted ongoing weekly discoveries of illicit pipeline connections and refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, as evident proof that surveillance remains sporadic and insufficient.
“Despite the significant expenditure, Nigeria’s crude production continues to lag below essential benchmarks, averaging approximately 1.46 million barrels per day in recent months, dropping as low as 1.31 million bpd in February 2026 according to OPEC statistics—far below the 1.5 million bpd quota and the federal budget aim of 1.84 million bpd,” the declaration emphasized, showcasing shortfalls in crude production.
The Niger Delta Congress contended that ongoing theft continues to siphon national revenue, contradicting assertions of substantial reductions.
The participants remarked that the contract should be annulled if the audit validates failures in project execution.
They urged a transition to a transparent, decentralized framework involving several local operators and complete integration with national security forces.
“We demand a comprehensive audit of Tantita’s operations to uncover the true scope of its effectiveness and financial dealings.
“If the proper actions are not taken swiftly, the Niger Delta Congress will have no alternative but to proceed to court to compel the relevant authorities to act in the national interest,” the declaration concluded.
